Starting the Roblox GFX artist hiring process can feel like a full-time job if you don't know exactly where to look or what to ask for. You've probably spent weeks, maybe even months, building your game, and now you're at that point where you need it to actually look good on the front page. We all know that a generic screenshot isn't going to cut it anymore. You need that polished, eye-catching render that makes people want to click. But finding the right person to bring your vision to life without getting ghosted or scammed is a bit of a hurdle.
Knowing what you actually need
Before you even post an ad, you've got to figure out your specific style. Not all artists are the same, and "GFX" is a pretty broad term. Some people are absolute wizards with lighting and realistic textures in Blender, while others specialize in that bright, saturated, cartoony look that does so well with simulators.
If you're making a horror game, you don't want to hire someone whose entire portfolio is filled with rainbows and sparkles. It sounds obvious, but you'd be surprised how many developers just pick the artist with the most followers without checking if their style actually fits the game's "vibe." Think about whether you need R6 or R15 characters, what kind of props should be in the background, and if you need the artist to handle the UI and text or just the raw 3D render.
Where the talent is hiding
When it comes to the actual hunt, there are a few main places where the community hangs out. Twitter (or X, whatever you want to call it) is probably the biggest hub for GFX artists. If you search for specific hashtags, you'll find an endless stream of portfolios. The best part about Twitter is that you can see their engagement—if they're regularly posting and interacting with other devs, they're probably active and looking for work.
Then there's the Roblox Talent Hub. It's the official way to do things now that the old forums are long gone. It's okay, but it can feel a bit corporate. If you want a more "in the trenches" feel, Discord servers like Hidden Devs or various GFX-specific communities are where most of the high-level deals happen. Just be careful in Discord DMs; it's a lot easier for people to fake their identities there compared to a verified Talent Hub profile.
The portfolio deep dive
Once you've got a few names on your list, it's time to be a bit of a detective. Don't just glance at the thumbnails. You want to look at the details. Check the fingers on the characters—if they look like weird, jagged sausages, the artist might not be using a good rig. Look at the lighting. Does it actually make sense, or is there just a random neon glow everywhere?
A huge red flag to watch out for is stolen work. Sadly, the Roblox GFX scene has its fair share of people who just download someone else's render and slap their own watermark on it. A quick reverse image search can save you a lot of headache. If the quality of their work varies wildly from one post to another, that's another sign that something might be fishy. Consistent quality is what you're paying for.
Let's talk about the money
Pricing is where things get a bit awkward. There's no "set" price for a thumbnail or icon, and you'll see everything from 500 Robux to 50,000+ Robux. Generally, you get what you pay for. If someone is offering a full scene for 200 Robux, it's probably going to be a template they've used a hundred times before.
Most professional artists prefer USD via PayPal these days, but plenty still take Robux. If you're paying in Robux, remember the "tax." Roblox takes a 30% cut of game pass or shirt sales, so if you're paying an artist, you usually need to cover that extra amount so they actually receive the agreed-upon price. It's always better to be clear about this upfront so there aren't any grumpy messages later.
Communication is everything
I can't stress this enough: be specific. If you tell an artist to "make it look cool," you're going to get something that they think is cool, which might be the opposite of what you want. Give them references. Take screenshots of other games that have the look you're going for.
When you start the Roblox GFX artist hiring conversation, ask about their "ToS" (Terms of Service). Most good artists will have a list of rules. Do they offer revisions? If they finish the work and you hate the color of the sky, will they change it for free, or do you have to pay extra? Knowing this before any money changes hands prevents a lot of drama. Also, ask for a timeline. "I'll have it done soon" is a dangerous phrase. Get a specific day.
Dealing with the workflow
Once you've picked your artist and agreed on a price, the work starts. Usually, an artist will send you a "watermarked" version of the render for approval. This is your chance to speak up. If something looks off, say it now. It's way harder for them to change things once the final render is done and they've moved on to the post-processing in Photoshop.
Most artists use Blender or Cinema4D for the heavy lifting and then move to Photoshop for the "juice"—the effects, the color grading, and the text. If you want the raw file (the .psd), be prepared to pay a premium. Most artists don't like giving those out because it contains all their "secret sauce" layers.
Avoiding the "Ghosting" trap
We've all been there. You pay half upfront, and then the artist disappears into the void. To avoid this, try to work with people who have a solid reputation or a long history of vouches. If you're nervous, you can ask to pay after seeing a low-resolution or heavily watermarked preview. Most reputable artists are fine with this because it protects both of you.
Also, don't be that client who pings them every five minutes asking "is it done yet?" Rendering takes time, and artists are usually juggling a few commissions at once. A polite check-in every couple of days is usually fine, but give them the space to actually do the work.
Finalizing the deal
When the work is finally done and you're happy with it, make sure you get the files in the right dimensions. Roblox thumbnails are 1920x1080, and icons are 512x512. If they send you a tiny file, it's going to look blurry on the site.
If you had a great experience, let people know! The Roblox dev community is surprisingly small, and word of mouth is the best way for good artists to get more work. Plus, if you ever need more GFX for an update, you'll already have a relationship with someone who knows your style.
Finding the right person for your Roblox GFX artist hiring needs doesn't have to be a nightmare. It just takes a bit of patience and a clear idea of what you want. Once you see that perfect render on your game's page and those click-through rates start climbing, you'll realize it was worth the effort. Just take your time, check the portfolios, and don't be afraid to ask questions. Good luck with your game!